Multiple Intelligences Chapter 1

Chapter one of Multiple Intelligences is an introduction to Howard Gardner’s idea of Multiple Intelligences. Certainly, the most important thing I gained from this chapter was an understanding of how Gardner’s intelligences operate. I don’t know that I agree with it yet. I feel like he has unnecessarily applied the word “intelligence” to this concept in order to make a point. His “intelligences” seem indistinguishable from “talents,” “abilities,” or “aptitudes.” Rather than proposing a sweeping change to how we see the human brain – a change that doesn’t seem adequately supported by the science – I would have preferred it had he simply suggested that educators should gear their content toward the different skills and interests that students have. However, I did appreciate the acknowledgment that a person with adequate skill at perseverance can develop any of the intelligences.